OLD STYLE ART

Traditional artists take note: The Illinois Arts Council wants to help you do your thing, and singer-songwriter Clark “Bucky” Halker wants to get you connected. Halker, who serves as director of Chicago-based nonprofit Company of Folk, is trying to find Illinois artists who practice “traditional” forms of art – everything from woodcarving and blacksmithing to fiddling and dancing – to help these artists get funding and services from the Illinois Arts Council. IAC offers grants to arts organizations, performance groups, educational entities and even individual artists, while also promoting Illinois art in all its forms. If you practice singing, leather craft, fishnet making, costume design, lace making or some other form of art based on ethnic heritage, language, religion, occupation or geographic region, Halker wants to talk to you. And you don’t have to originally be from Illinois, either – anyone from new immigrants to residents with a “multi-generational history” in Illinois may qualify for grants or services. For more information, contact Halker at buckyhalker@buckyhalker.com or call 773-275-4959. Visit the Illinois Arts Council at www.arts.illinois.gov.